Summer passed in a blink of an eye, Xunyi remembered spending time with her grandparents in London and how she got to spend a couple of days in the house that Deming had purchased. She felt like the luckiest girl, but sometimes, she felt a distance between them. Not only physically but academically and financially. Deming was a high achiever. He excelled in everything, and he was financially independent. Xunyi had a habit of comparing to others, but she reminded herself that one day, she could reach to his level. That will be her goal, to be able to work together with the man who saved her life and financially supported her throughout her studies in England.
Lizzy, her previous manager, was even willing to write a letter of recommendation for her if she needed to. This was because she saw how hard Xunyi worked and always had a professional attitude toward customers and herself. Xunyi also received her bonus from Lizzy on her last day of work. Xunyi kept her bonus so she could buy a special gift for Deming when they met again.
The second year of studying was more challenging than the first because it included more applications and analysis. Xunyi followed the same study method that she used during her first year. She was glad to be reunited with Hailey and Gabriela. They will often study together inside the same dorm room. Hailey came back from New York a few days after class started, and Gabriela came back just a week before class started.
During group work, Xunyi was grouped up with other students, which she doesn't mind. She was surprised that most people in her group actually did their part because she heard many horror stories of how some students left their work to other students to finish. One of the students from her group was from China as well. His name was Liang Ailun (Alan). Alan was very handsome looking, but he was more like a playboy. Alan often looked at Xunyi and smiled. He was attracted to her and felt like they had met before.
"Mia, you look very familiar. Have we met before?" Alan asked.
"I don't think we did, I don't remember at all. " Xunyi replied and then looked back at her lecture notes.
"But, seriously, I have a strange feeling. We definitely met before." Alan continued talking while ignoring the professor. Xunyi shifted away from him while she tried to take her notes. He shifted closer to her and invaded her personal space. Xunyi looked disturbed, but then she couldn't move. They were in the middle of a lecture, and her trauma from a year ago started creeping up on her.
Xunyi froze and tensed up. She felt her face burning and her body breaking out in cold sweat. The first sentence she muttered was, "Deming, help." Just then, Susie appeared out of nowhere and then lectured Alan, "I don't know who you are but if you touch her one more time, good luck on having kids in the future because you will not be able to." Xunyi was stunned and speechless, Susie gave her hand and led her away from Alan.
After class ended, Gabriela and Hailey rushed to Xunyi's side and comforted her.
"Alan is a freak. Ignore him. Sit with us for the next class." Hailey said as she looked at Alan with a nasty expression.
Alan snickered and went away. Almost all of the young ladies in the lecture hall tried to ignore him.
Susie looked at them and said,"Should we sit outside for a while?"
The weather was getting a bit chilly, but it wasn't too bad because the sun was out. Susie stretched out her arms and twisted her body, "Don't you feel like fighting someone sometimes?" She looked at Xunyi, who was looking at the ground.
"Earth to Mia!" Hailey waved her hands to see if Xunyi saw it or not.
"I'm sorry I didn't hear you. What did you say?" Xunyi was getting sidetracked. Hailey shook her head, "Mia, have you tried working out?"
"In London? No. Maybe a bit in the past." She replied in a monotone voice. Gabriela suddenly had a great idea.
"Guys! Since class ends early today, how about we all go to the gym and sweat it all out? Mia, you will feel better in no time." Susie raised her hand, and so did Hailey, Gabriela. They all waited for Xunyi... and after a few seconds of decision... she raised her hand.
"Mia, working out and learning some self-defense will benefit you in the long run. I heard there is a self-defense class every weekend. We all can sign up. It's for people with no experience to people who have experiences as well. Do you wish to try it?" Susie asked, then looked at the three girls.
"I'm in." Hailey sounded confident.
"Same!" Gabriela also raised her hand right after Hailey.
"I do wish to become stronger and healthier. I'm in!" Xunyi nervously smiled while raising her hand.
"Then, let's go this weekend! They start around 11 am. The location will be in our main gym." Susie texted them, and they all agreed to meet.
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After going to the gym for two weeks, Xunyi already felt the difference in her appearance and energy. She was glad to have Hailey, Gabriela, and Susie since they all can encourage one another. On the weekend, they all went to the self-defense class. After the first session, Xunyi learned some cool moves.
She will definitely have to try and remember those moves if a weird guy starts grabbing her out of nowhere. Xunyi slowly became a whole different person. She was once a carefree and happy-go-lucky type of girl, but now, she became mentally and physically stronger and healthier. She thought to herself, "If I'm not able to protect myself, how can I protect my loved ones? I must become stronger. How can I be a lawyer if I always shy away from my fear? I might have to face criminals one day or meet up with upset clients. Do I run away and seek shelter? No, I must face it no matter how long it will take. I promised Deming and his parents that I would take care of myself and become someone they could be proud of."